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Only a handful of competitions can keep viewers enthralled through 45 minutes of ceremony before the initial score is even determined.

Yet the complex rituals unfolding in a small clay ring - mostly preserved for hundreds of years - succeeded in doing so.

Welcome to the Prestigious Rikishi Event

This five-day event at the historic concert hall features four dozen top-tier sumo athletes showcasing a sport whose first mention dates back to ancient times.

London's historic performance space has been completely reimagined, complete with a elaborate suspended canopy hanging above the dohyō.

Historical Ceremonies Meet Current Innovations

It is here the athletes, known as sumo professionals, perform their shiko exercises to banish dark forces, and where they clap to attract the divine beings.

Above all this historical practice, a massive rotating display - that appears natural at an American basketball game - offers the audience all the stats and replays they could want.

International Enthusiasts Discover Sumo

For an enthusiastic follower, it was a "chance online clip" that first drew her interest a couple of years ago.

This was quickly followed by the discovery of dedicated YouTube channels for sumo stables, where athletes reside and practice, starting their day early to train, followed by a nutritious chankonabe and then an midday rest - all in the effort toward increasing mass.

From Edinburgh, Different Experience

Another couple discovered sumo through a established path: a journey to Asia six years ago.

"We saw it as a very touristy activity, but we actually developed passion for the sport," says Julia.

"After that, we tried to find communities, resources, just to deepen our understanding about it," the other fan explains.

Special Event

Visiting the homeland is almost the only way to see a top-flight sumo tournament.

This London competition marks only the second occasion the tournament has visited the city - the previous visit was in the early nineties.

Even visiting the country isn't a guarantee of obtaining admission, with recent years seeing fully attended competitions.

In-Person Viewing

For many attendees, the UK competition represents the first time they have experienced the sport directly - and it doesn't disappoint.

"Seeing it up close, you get a understanding of quickness and the strength which you can't experience on TV," explains an attendee. "They are so big."

The Matches

To win the match, one rikishi needs to push another off the clay or to the floor using raw power.

The majority use one of pair of techniques to succeed in this, often in instantaneous actions - shoving, or wrestling.

Either way, the impact of the two rikishi crashing together in the first moment of the match echoes around the venue.

Prime Locations

The positions right next to the ring are of course highly prized - but also, a bit risky.

During one particular match, a 191cm wrestler fell into the crowd - perhaps making those in less expensive positions breathe a sigh of relief.

Organizational Issues

Of course, the dimensions of the athletes is one of the primary elements most people think of when they consider the sport.

The venue's management revealed they "needed to find and buy new chairs which can take up to 200kg in weight."

But sumo - for all its successful competitions - is not without its troubles behind the scenes.

Potential Issues

Perhaps the demanding existence of a rikishi doesn't look as desirable as it once might have.

Its popularity among young Japanese is also being threatened by alternative competitions, while Japan's decreasing numbers will present additional challenges.

Worldwide Following

Not that any of this has troubled spectators in London.

"Seeing all this custom and formality that goes with sumo is quite special," fan Sian says. "Now, seeing it in person, you sense that you are more involved."

For other dedicated followers, the excitement "made it so incredible" - as did encountering the other fans.

"Emerging from a particularly focused online community and being able to observe numerous sumo fans in person and being able to speak to other people who are just as into this as we are - it was completely valuable."